The Target app for iOS and Android has been around for a few years already, and the same can be said for its support for Apple Pay. However, something was missing, and now Target is taking the measures required to fix this. Starting today, the Target app has the Wallet feature that allows its users to check out by employing the smartphone. All it takes is a single scan of the barcode to enjoy the Cartwheel coupons and discounts.

Until today, Target customers were also able to add the discounts to their account using the Cartwheel feature, but then they had to present the barcode to be scanned at the point-of-sale for the savings to be applied. Starting with the introduction of the Wallet feature, they can also pay using the Target REDcard.

The Target REDcard has two purposes: first, it offers 5 percent back on purchases; second, it acts as a debit card that links to the customers' bank accounts. Target revealed that the new Wallet feature will soon gain the ability to add and pay using the company's GiftCards, but there is no accurate date of release to talk about yet.

The Target Wallet mobile payment system comes to join (and compete with) other similar services from major brick-and-mortar retailers such as Walmart (Walmart Pay), CVS (CVS Pay), and Kohl's (Kohl's Pay). It is available for both iOS and Android devices and should become available after updating the Target app to its latest version.

Although I have been writing about new software and hardware for almost a decade, I consider myself to be old school. I always enjoy listening to music on CD or tape instead of digital files and I will not even get into the touchscreen vs physical keys debate. However, I also enjoy new technology, as I now have the chance to take a look at the future every day. I joined the Notebookcheck crew back in 2013 and I have no plans to leave the ship anytime soon.